Drive.MY Blog

15 Celebration Worthy Facts About Chinese New Year

Drive.MY would like to share some interesting facts on the CNY. Some of this facts might be new to us, as this tradtions have to be prolonged and passed to our future generations. Read on it guys :)

Happy Chinese New Year! Also known as the Spring Festival, this upcoming holiday is packed full of traditions and symbolism. Here’s everything you need to know about the shindig.

1. THE CHINESE NEW YEAR DOESN’T ALWAYS FALL ON THE SAME DATE.

China adopted the Gregorian calendar in 1912, but this holiday is based on the ancient Chinese, or lunar, calendar. Chinese New Year falls on the second new moon after winter solstice (somewhere between January 21st and February 19th). This year, Chinese New Year is February 19.

2. THE NEW YEAR IS CHINA’S MOST IMPORTANT HOLIDAY.

It’s also China’s longest: The holiday is observed for 15 days. Technically, only the first three days are a statutory holiday, but most Chinese citizens will have the time from New Year’s Eve to the sixth day off from work.

3. SAN FRANCISCO HOLDS THE LARGEST CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION OUTSIDE OF CHINA.

The California gold rush of 1849 brought many people to the West Coast, including Chinese immigrants who worked on the railroads. Eager to share their culture with other Californians, these immigrants adopted the American tradition of a parade to celebrate their New Year. Since then, the event has become extremely popular, over a million people are expected to attend the parade this year.

4. THE CHINESE HAVE CELEBRATED THE NEW YEAR FOR THOUSANDS OF YEARS.

The first Chinese New Year was celebrated during ancient times. According to mythology, a monster called Nian would appear at the end of each winter to ravage China and kill its people. The townsfolk used bright lights, loud noises, and the color red to scare the predator away. That’s why you see so many red lanterns and firework displays during the holiday. The Chinese invented fireworks in the 12th century, making them the first to use the explosives in a New Year’s celebration.

5. ONE SIXTH OF THE WORLD’S POPULATION CELEBRATES CHINESE NEW YEAR.

The holiday isn’t just for the citizens of China. Countries with large Chinese populations like Taiwan and Singapore celebrate as well.

6. ALL CLEANING IS DONE BEFORE THE CELEBRATION.

People participating in the Chinese New Year festivities will rigorously clean their homes on the 20th day of the 12th lunar month in preparation. This tidying up is symbolic of starting over fresh in the New Year. Some believe that the cleaning will sweep away the evil spirits or bad luck associated with the previous year. During the first day of the New Year, cleaning the house or washing one’s hair is discouraged because it could wash away good luck.

7. THE DRAGON DANCE IS BELIEVED TO WARD OFF EVIL SPIRITS.

Unlike their Western cousins, Chinese dragons are friendly creatures associated with good luck, power, wisdom, and rain clouds. The dragon dance is a ceremony performed to scare off evil spirits and bad luck. Long dragons are constructed from wood, fabric, paper, or plastic and are controlled by poles connected to their bottoms; the longer the creation, the luckier it is believed to be. Pole bearers manipulate the dragon to make it appear to dance to the beat of a drum. It’s harder than it looks! The performers must be perfectly synchronized or the whole movement will be thrown off.

8. THERE ARE 12 ANIMALS IN THE CHINESE ZODIAC.

According to ancient folklore, the order of the zodiacs was determined by a race orchestrated by the Jade Emperor in which the animals had to cross a river to get to the finish line. The rat finished first because it rode on the naïve ox’s back (the ox came in second). A powerful swimmer, the tiger came in third. The rabbit jumped on rocks to avoid the water. The story goes on like this until we reach the pig, which finished in last place because it took a nap.

Some legends mention a thirteenth animal: the cat. According to one legend, the cat also rode on the ox’s back, but was pushed off by the rat and drowned. Another story suggests that the rat gave the cat the wrong date and the feline missed the race entirely. Both stories result in explaining why cats are always chasing rats.

9. DURING CHINESE NEW YEAR, KEEP YOUR BLACK CLOTHES IN YOUR CLOSET.

Color symbolism is an important part of the festivities. Black represents death, so it’s wise to steer clear of that color. Instead, wear bright colors like red, which symbolizes good fortune.

10. CHILDREN SLEEP WITH MONEY UNDER THEIR PILLOWS.

Elders will award youngsters with red envelopes filled with money in an effort to bring more happiness and good fortune. The contents are less important than the envelope itself, as the act of giving symbolizes good luck. Some children will sleep on their envelopes for seven days before opening to make their loot even luckier, and parents will also slip envelopes under their children’s pillows while they sleep, not unlike the tooth fairy.

11. EVERYONE TURNS ONE YEAR OLDER.

Renri, the seventh day of celebration, is considered the day that all human beings were created. As a result, everyone turns one year older on this day—sort of like a national birthday.

12. FU SIGNS ARE SOMETIMES PLACED UPSIDE DOWN.

Red diamond-shaped signs depicting the fu character are commonly placed on or above doors during Chinese New year. The symbol signifies good luck, so by placing it upside down, the residents allow the luck to pour down into the household.

13. ON THE LAST DAY OF THE CELEBRATION, EVERYONE RELEASES LANTERNS INTO THE SKY.

Elaborate paper lanterns that come in many different shapes and sizes are released on Chap Goh Mei (or the Lantern Festival), the fifteenth day of the New Year. Some see this practice as symbolically letting go of the old self to become a new person. Many will write riddles on their lanterns for others to try to solve.

14. CHAP GOH MEI IS LIKE VALENTINE’S DAY.

The final day of Chinese New Year is also considered a day ripe for love. Many single women will write their phone numbers on mandarin oranges before tossing them into the river. Men waiting downstream will collect the fruits and eat them. The sweetest one means the couple will have the best luck together.

15. 2015 IS THE YEAR OF THE GOAT.

If you were born in 1919, 1931, 1943, 1967, 1979, 1991, or 2003, this is your year! As a “goat,” your lucky colors are brown, red, and purple. Your supposed best months are August and November, and your lucky flowers are primroses and carnations. People with this zodiac are supposed to be kind, amicable, and stable.

Honda Civic is back in business with the new Type-R !

As many of you are aware, an all-new Honda Civic Type R is on its way and the production version will be unveiled at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show next month. However, before that takes place, the company has provided more details about its new hot hatch, with an emphasis on the car’s aerodynamics, braking components, and a brief mention about the engine as well. It helps that they’ve provided a few images to tempt us further.

First up, the brief mention of the engine and in the Civic Type R, a 2.0-litre direct injection VTEC turbo unit is found. Honda did not provide any mention about the power output but it is said to be above 280 hp. They did mention that the car will be able to achieve a top speed of 270 km/h, said to be “unrivalled amongst its front wheel-drive competitors”. That puts it in the company of Mercedes-Benz’s A 45 AMG that tops out at 250 km/h (electronically limited).

Bringing the car to a stop is the responsibility of the Brembo brake package on the front wheels. That package consists of four-piston callipers applying braking force to 350 mm drilled discs. 19-inch alloys are fitted as well.

Aerodynamic features start with an almost completely flat underside that aids airflow under the vehicle and works with a rear diffuser to optimise downforce. Additional downforce comes in the form of a rear wing.

At the front, a wide front splitter and deep side skirts also manage airflow, while the front bumper inhibits air turbulence around the front wheels, effectively cutting drag and enhancing high-speed stability.

Other external design bits focus on heat management with various grilles and vents placed around the car to provide greater cooling and ventilation.

All we can hope now is that it will arrive in Malaysia soon for us to take a glimpse of it. It's the beast on the road.

Best Valentines Ideas With Love Ones

Feb 14 is a very special day for all the souls that value love and care. It comes only once in a year, hence pre plan the things that you would like to do with your love ones. Don't waste the day !

Here are some creative ways to tell your spouse, “I love you.”

Is it more important to love … or to be loved?

Most of us would agree with George Eliot’s words, “I like not only to be loved, but also to be told I am loved.”

Valentine’s Day is the occasion when you can experience both. Drive.MY would like to share some useful tips and here are 25 creative ways to tell your spouse, “I love you.”

1. On small pieces of paper, write down every kind of kiss that you can think of (examples: passionate, on the cheek). Then fill an inexpensive red felt bag with your “kisses” and give it to your spouse. Ask your spouse to pull several pieces of paper from the felt bag, and then give your sweetheart whatever kind of kiss is described.

2. Make a book about why you love your spouse and why you are thankful for him/her. The woman who sent this idea wrote, “He loved it! Said it was the best gift he has ever gotten. And it helped me to focus on the things I love about my husband and not his shortcomings.”

3. Take your sweetie on a scavenger hunt. Ask him/her to answer riddles to find the clues to items that you placed somewhere around town. The last item should give instructions that lead to your Valentine’s Day activities. Maybe you can put the last item in the car dashboard with a lovely gift. Eh wait, how you going to do that without a car?? No worries, rent a car with us and scroll down for the next tips.

4. After enjoying a candlelight dinner for two at home, give your spouse a massage and watch a romantic movie.

5. Surprise your spouse with a special getaway together. Rent a car from us and go around all the romantic places in town. Don’t know where to go ah? Don’t worry, read our previous blogs on the places to visit on Valentine’s Day.

6. Give your wife a dozen roses. On each stem attach a note for a future date—to do something that she would enjoy to do together.

7. If possible, go on a date with your spouse to a restaurant that you enjoyed when you first met. After you order your meal, take some time to write down favorite memories from the past year. Then share your lists.

8. Have 11 roses delivered to your wife, and then give her a 12th yourself while reading her a love poem.

9. Fill a large box with helium balloons and special gifts for Valentine’s Day. A woman who suggested this said that her gifts included “new sleep shorts for him and a new nightgown for me, a box of chocolate-covered strawberries and red napkins ... some new candles, and a romantic CD. He got the hint. And loved the weekend.”

10. Create an intimate Valentine’s Day evening at home, without the children. A woman who suggested this idea said that she and her husband “enjoyed planning the menu, shopping for the meal, and ultimately preparing the meal together. Cooking to soft, romantic music can really be a turn on! While dining, the same soft, romantic music is a wonderful mood-setter. Dinner was followed by just the two of us having the whole dance. I won’t say what all this led to, but it was a truly romantic night that would not have happened at the local restaurant!”

11. Order food from a take-out restaurant and have a picnic for all the Valentines in your family on your living room floor. The person who suggested this said, “The kids look forward to this every year. When we tried to change it, they wouldn’t allow it ... it has become a tradition. The kids see the value of family and a loving marriage.”

13. If you are separated across the miles, send a care package filled with things that are red.

14. Make a meal with symbols of love. Examples: Write I love you with string beans, make a tart in the shape of a heart :)

15. Hide little heart candies in your spouse’s shoes, coat, car. The woman who suggested this said that she’s been doing this for decades. “Now a couple of the grandkids help me with delight.”

16. Wives, show up at your husband’s office before lunch. Call him from the parking lot and tell him you are going to take him for a lunch rendezvous and that you will be waiting for him whenever he can take a break. Wear a nice outfit and tell him you have something sexy on underneath for when he gets home. Take him to a nice place for lunch and back to the office. Give him some great kisses telling him how glad you are to be married to him, and tell him you will be waiting for him when he gets home.

17. Fill a jar with Valentine candy and notes for your spouse. Examples of notes are: Good for a backrub, 10 kisses. Notes could also express your love and respect: “I am so glad that God blessed my life with such a great husband like you.” Individually roll each note and tie it with a ribbon.

18. Surprise your spouse by taking a vacation day from work and enjoy Valentine’s Day at home. Have a relaxing morning together on the porch, deck, or patio. Then go to a favorite restaurant for lunch. The man who suggested this idea had also reserved a spa treatment and tanning session for his wife. “While she was doing that,” he says, “I went home and made her a special dinner.”

19. Write a poem for your spouse and frame it.

20. On individual note cards, write why you love your spouse. Insert these cards in a small photo album. The woman who suggested this idea began her album with a honeymoon picture and introductory note card, and ended it with a love note.

21. Surprise your husband when he comes home from work on February 14. Place a welcome sign on the kitchen table and leave a trail of red foil-wrapped Hershey kisses to your bedroom.

22. With roses in hand and permission from your wife’s boss, go to her workplace and read a love poem to her. The woman who shared this idea said, “I am a teacher in an inner city school. Last year my husband dressed in my favorite suit and tie, came to my school with roses in hand. He got permission and assistance from the office staff to open the speaker system into my classroom and proceeded to read a long and beautiful love poem to me. He then came to my classroom and presented me with the bouquet of roses which I received while wiping my tears of joy and love for this wonderful man whom I have been married to for just under 30 years.”

23. Make a special “14 Reasons I Love You” Valentine’s Day breakfast for your sweetheart. On his/her plate, leave a letter or card listing 14 reasons that you love your spouse.

24. If possible, send a card postmarked in a town that has a romantic name such as Loveland, Colorado; Valentine, Texas; or Romance, Arkansas.

25. After your spouse goes to bed, tape notes to his car’s steering wheel with reasons that you love him, or decorate the bathroom mirror with lipstick kisses or Valentine’s window clings.

Have fun on February 14, and remember: Love is not meant to be given and received on just Valentine’s Day. Instead, it’s to be practiced every single day of the entire year.

Hurry up and rent a car from Drive.MY, cars are getting fully booked for the special day. Don’t wait and avoid disappointments. Feb 14 only comes one in a year :)

It's Valentine's Day !

It's Valentine's Day again! Are you still planning for the event? Or... you don't even know what to do on that day? You don't wanna upset your partner didn't you? Try imagine you and your staying at home, it is boring isn't it? Valentine's day falls on Saturday this year and don't worry, for working couples, you'll have ample time to celebrate it! Yay!

Alah, tunggu apa lagi ??! Rent a luxurious car and impress your love with a romantic and royal getaway. Afraid of torn wallet, no worries leh.. Valentines comes only once in a year :)

Drive.MY hereby give you the best idea on what to do.

1. Have a Good Meal Together

Malaysians have more than enough choices when it comes to food. Dining place and restaurants are offering good atmosphere and ambience on Valentine's Day. If you are willing to spend on fine dinings, you and your loved ones can enjoy fine cuisines prepared by highly-rated chefs.

Fine Dining Restaurants in Kuala Lumpur

- La Vie En Rose- Lafite- Strato at Troika Sky Dining

Don't worry! If you are tight on your budget, you can visit or subsribe to Groupon and lookout for restaurants that offers great dining deals during the Valentine's Day period. Great deals tend to sell out fast so make sure you stay tuned within the website! Or else, you can bring your loved ones to the popular cafes around Klang Valley.

Gifts are essential for Valentine's Day celebration. On the day itself, you can see lots of ladies who will be carrying either plush toys, bouquet of flowers or a gift box with them while they stroll around in the shopping mall.

You can never go wrong with buying flowers and trust us, ladies will definitely like them! Flowers, especially roses, symbolizes love, passion, eternity and romance. But of course, with any gift, it is important to remember that your sincerity and the message you have for your partner are the key elements.

3. Watch a Movie Together

When it comes to movie, have you noticed there's a couple seat inside the cinema? I'm sure you did notice, so why wait? Book that couple seat for more privacy and more comfortable space. You can either watch a romantic love movie that will boost your love that night, or a horror movie that makes your loved ones scurring to hide between you, aww how lovely is that.

4. Plan for a short Vacation

It is rare for Valentine's Day to fall on weekend. You can take advantage of this by going on a short vacation with your loved ones. Don't have a car? Don't worry! We are here to provide you the best car deals. Visit https://www.drive.my/browse-rental-cars for car selection.

Here are some other places that you can go for a short vacation on Valentine's Day.

- Sekinchan- Fraser Hill- Cameron Highlands - Sekeping Serendah

5. Go Outdoors

Did you know that valentine's day isn't necessary to be celebrated in the shopping malls or luxury places? If both of you love the nature or outdoor activities, there are plenty of places that you can go to celebrate. if you are too tired in driving, you can request for a chauffeur service from us at https://www.drive.my/chauffeur-service

10 Advantages to Renting a Car

People rent cars for many reasons: business trips, family vacations, or to replace a car that’s being repaired. Whatever the circumstances, renting a car can have many advantages over driving your own.

If you live in a large city area where bus, trains, and other community transportation is common, you may have found that owning your own vehicle isn’t necessary. When vacations or other events take you beyond the reach of the city’s train service, renting a car can be the best choice.

Renting a large vehicle, such as an SUV or minivan, can allow you to travel with a large group of friends or big family. Some of our rental agencies may able to provide customers with from a 9 - 15 passenger car.

When renting a vehicle for a business trip or leisure vacation, you avoid putting excess wear and tear on your personal vehicle. This can lower your maintenance and repair costs over time.

If your personal vehicle is an older model, renting a car for extended trips can help you save money on fuel. Most of our car rental agencies keep only newer model vehicles that get very good mileage.

No matter where you travel with a rented vehicle, breaking down isn’t a worry. Should the car break down during your rental period, our agency will provide you another car at no charge. This can give great peace of mind during long trips especially.

A rental car can take you where your personal vehicle can’t. If you’d like to travel where the roads are less favorable, for example, renting a Jeep or SUV can be a great idea.

When taking a trip hundreds of miles away from home, renting a car can give you more time to enjoy yourself. By taking an airplane to your destination and renting a car once you’ve arrived, you’ll spend far less time traveling to your vacation spot and more time sightseeing and relaxing.

Renting a vehicle can help you decide if you would like to purchase that type of car, truck, or SUV. When you’re in the market for a new car, renting one for a day or two gives you an extended test drive to discover facilities about the vehicle that you couldn’t otherwise.

Our car rental agency can enable you to rent a certain type of vehicle for a special occasion. Whether you’d like a minivan to take all the cousins on a camping trip or a luxury car to take your wife our for an anniversary dinner, renting makes a great option.

A rental car can help you project a certain image to business contacts or associates. Depending on your needs, a new, clean SUV may be preferable to your usual two-door coupe.